American Canyon loses police chief to promotion

Capt. Jean Donaldson who will be taking over as the new American Canyon police chief next month, transfering from another division of the Napa County Sheriffs Office, was introduced at Tuesday night's city council meeting. (Rachel Raskin-Zrihen/Times-Herald)

AMERICAN CANYON -- Police Chief Jean Donaldson has been named Napa County Undersheriff, it was announced Tuesday.

The search is on for his replacement, City Manager Dana Shigley said at Tuesday's City Council meeting, where the announcement was made.

"We contract with the sheriff's office and the sheriff will select our new chief from among his captain staff, with input from us," Shigley said. "We plan to have a conversation with him this week or next to discuss what we're looking for so he can determine who the best person will be to replace Jean."

Shigley said she expects to find a replacement in time for that person to learn the ropes before Donaldson's last day.

This is the third American Canyon Police Chief promoted to one of the Napa County Sheriff's Department's top jobs. The American Canyon Police Department is under the Sheriff's auspices.

Donaldson, who replaced Brian Banducci as chief in early 2011, is replacing him as undersheriff starting Nov. 23 -- the day after Banducci officially retires. Banducci replaced the man who succeeded former Napa County Sheriff Doug Koford, who was American Canyon's first police chief, when he retired. After five years as chief, Koford ran unopposed for Napa County Sheriff in 2006 and again in 2010.

Former undersheriff John Robertson was appointed sheriff last year by the Napa County Board of Supervisors, to complete about half of Koford's unfinished four-year term.

Shigley said the fact that every police chief the city's had in its 21-year history, has been promoted to a top spot, says good things about the city.

"We're providing a good learning opportunity and getting the best people," she said. "It means (the Napa County Sheriff) is not just putting people out to pasture here."

Donaldson said he sees it that way, too.

"Basically what it says is the Sheriff's Department really values this contract, so when someone is assigned to the chief position here, we want someone who will succeed, and has the training and experience to succeed," Donaldson said. "Also, you learn a lot in that position. It's a different aspect of law enforcement."

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, Mayor Leon Garcia expressed disappointment on losing Donaldson, but wished him the best and thanked him for his service to the city.

"I've really enjoyed working here," Donaldson said. "It's been a great place to work."